Seeing atomic scale interactions in real time may sound like science fiction, but operando TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) has made it science fact. Unlike traditional TEM, which looks at static samples, operando TEM enables scientists to watch materials evolve dynamically while they undergo reactions. In this episode, we sit down with Patricia Kooyman, a professor at the University of Cape Town, to explore the science behind this technique as well as her unique history with it.

This episode is sponsored by Momentum Transfer. They have an upcoming Powder Diffraction workshop at Politecnico di Bari in Italy. This 3 day workshop runs from September 29th to October 1st, 2025. Find more info [HERE].

This episode is sponsored by the American Ceramics Society Learning Center. Visit ceramics.org/materialism to learn more or use code MATERIALISM to get $100 off your next On-Demand course registration.

This Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more.

Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski, & Jared Duffy.

Episode 109: Operando Transmission Electron Microscopy

Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast

Episode 109: Operando Transmission Electron Microscopy